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The Potassium Transporter OsHAK5 Alters Rice Architecture via ATP-Dependent Transmembrane Auxin Fluxes
Tianyuan Yang1,2, Huimin Feng1, Song Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, MOA Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization in Lower-Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
The rice gene OsHAK5 influences plant architecture by regulating polar auxin transport (PAT) and cellular energy gradients. Its manipulation affects root and tiller growth, offering potential for crop yield enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Plant HAK/KUP/KT family proteins are plasma membrane (PM) H+/K+ symporters.
- These transporters may influence chemiosmotically-driven polar auxin transport (PAT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the rice K+ transporter gene OsHAK5 in plant growth and development.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which OsHAK5 affects polar auxin transport and cellular physiology.
Main Methods:
- Gene inactivation and overexpression of OsHAK5 in rice.
- Measurement of polar auxin transport (PAT) under different K+ conditions.
- Analysis of cellular parameters including transmembrane potential, extracellular pH, and PM-ATPase activity.
- Treatment with inhibitors of ATP-binding-cassette type-B transporters (NPA and BUM).
Main Results:
- OsHAK5 inactivation decreased PAT, tiller number, lateral root length, and root hair length.
- OsHAK5 overexpression increased PAT, tiller number, and root hair length, independent of K+ supply.
- OsHAK5 overexpression effects on PAT were abolished by NPA and BUM.
- OsHAK5 mediated changes in transmembrane potential, extracellular pH, and PM-ATPase activity.
Conclusions:
- OsHAK5 plays a dual role in modulating cellular chemiosmotic gradients and regulating ATP-dependent auxin transport.
- OsHAK5 significantly impacts rice architecture, suggesting its potential for genetic manipulation to improve crop yield.
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